DJI Mapping mode checklist

Updated
  • Updated on May 6, 2026
  • Published on May 6, 2026
  • 2 minute(s) read
  • JS
  • Matthew Toohey
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Hovermap is a powerful system that can be used as a LiDAR mapping payload, but also as an advanced autopilot for drones and other platforms. We therefore recommend that you read the user manual thoroughly to make use of all its capabilities in a safe and productive way.

Set up Hovermap

Actions

Indications

Inspect the LiDAR sensor.

Clean and serviceable

Mount the Hovermap as desired (handle attachment, vehicle mount, backpack mount or drone).

Secure

Connect the power cable. Place the Hovermap in a stable position where the spinning LiDAR will be unobstructed.

Test the cable connection by gently tugging on the cable to ensure it is positively retained on the Hovermap. If the cable fails to keep connected during this test, it is recommended to get in touch with Emesent support.

Connected, clear

For HVM100, ensure both Wi-Fi antennas are connected and positioned 90 degrees apart. It is recommended to orient one antenna vertically and the other horizontally for optimal results.

The Hovermap ST and ST-X have internal antennas.

Offset

All configurations run on an external battery, except when attached to a drone (use the drone-specific power cable).

Ensure that the battery has adequate charge for the intended scan. Set a low voltage warning on the battery monitor.

Never over-drain the battery from use.

Checked, connected

Press the power button on Hovermap.

  • Do not move while Hovermap is booting/initializing.

  • If the status LED is not blue after 60 seconds, cycle power to Hovermap.

Flashing red, flashing light blue, flashing orange

Auto-initialization and checks complete. The system is ready.

Slow pulsing blue

Begin the scan

Actions

Indications

Launch the Emesent Commander application.

App landing page

Connect to the Hovermap’s Wi-Fi.

Network name: hvm100_xxxx, ST_xxxx, ST_5xxx

Password: hovermap

Connected

Select the Non-autonomous mapping mission tile in Emesent Commander. Follow the Mission workflow to configure the system and set up your scan mission.

Scan name set

Click Start Scan in the Scan setup page and keep the payload still for the first 10 seconds.

The LiDAR will start spinning. The status LED will start flashing green, then will change to slow pulsing green. Wait for five slow pulses before moving.

Flashing green. LiDAR spinning smoothly.

Allow the system to perform its pre-mission checks — this may take up to 60 seconds or more. Once passed, the Continue button becomes available. Tap to move into the next screen where you will conduct your operation from.

Green tick and Pre-scan checks passed indicator

Hovermap will now be collecting scan data and can be moved for scanning the target area.

Slow pulsing green

End the scan

Actions

Indications

Once the area of interest has been scanned, tap Stop Scan on the Emesent Commander app. Alternatively, press the power button on Hovermap or use the Web UI.

The LiDAR will stop spinning after a few seconds and the LED will go back to slow pulsing blue.

Slow pulsing blue

For best mapping results, we recommend that you stop the scan around the same area where it was started.

Close the loop

At this stage, you can either start a new scan and repeat the steps above, or download the raw scan data for processing.

Download data and shut down Hovermap

Actions

Indications

Once the Hovermap scanner has stopped spinning, insert a USB memory drive into Hovermap to download the scan data. The status LED will change to wiping blue bar while the data is transferring to the USB stick.

All data captured since the last transfer will be copied to the USB stick.

Slow pulsing blue, wiping blue bar, slow pulsing blue

To shut down Hovermap, turn off the drone or disconnect the power supply.